This is my first litter with my girl and the pups are 8 weeks today and the first pup was picked up this evening.
They are going to great homes and I am very happy with the new puppy owners but when I woke up this morning I cried for 3 hours at the thought of them all starting to leave.
I have invested so much into them that it feels like a huge loss.

I can't imagine how it's going to be when the last 1 goes.
I am keeping a cracking wee girl but the sense of loss is totally overwhelming.

I opened a page on fb just for my last litter. I regularly speak to the new owners on there and see photos that they now add. The new owners can chat to one another and ask for help on there. I found it has helped me a lot. Yes it is emotional. It shows you did a good job, and that you care for them. Watching them grow up to be nice healthy adults that are much loved has been great. Something I didn't have with my first litter.

I have sobbed buckets over puppies leaving.

The time to worry is when you no longer cry over your beautiful babies.  That's the time to give it all up.

I do have  a lump but by the time they are 8 weeks they really need isolation from their siblings and socialisation on their own which I would not be able to give so my main thoughts are the hope that having brought the puppy into this world they have a long, healthy and happy life hopefully with the home I have allowed them to go to. I just hope they bring everything the new owner wants. So yes it is an emotional farewell with all the thoughts and hope that go with them.
I do like the idea of the facebook page for the litter and all the owners so think I will definitely have a go at that this time. A great way of them and us keeping in touch.

I had a little cry over one just a couple of nights ago, she went to her new home over 2 months ago!! But I still miss her. It shows you care and although it is hard you have to reassure yourself that you have chosen the best possible families for your babies who will give them the individual attention they need now. Facebook is great for keeping in touch and I find a lot of puppy buyers become my good friends so I get to stay in more regular contact :)